Colorectal and gastric cancer and its association with dietary patterns in Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a leading cause of death in the Americas. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, while stomach cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Tobacco and alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and air pollution are risk factors for these cancers. This study aimed to identify the association between dietary patterns and gastric and colorectal cancer. Methodology: A multi-cluster ecological study, using as secondary sources two national databases, the HIGIA (High-Cost Account) and the ENSIN 2015 (National Survey of Nutritional Status of Colombia 2015), was carried out. The population consisted of 2585 people over 50 years of age, distributed in six regions of Colombia: Atlántica, Central, Oriental, Pacífica, Amazonía-Orinoquía, and Bogotá. Multiple linear regression was performed using R2 to measure goodness of fit to estimate the effect between colorectal cancer incidence rate/gastric cancer incidence rate and exposure factors. Results: A positive association was observed between colorectal cancer and non-compliance with the recommendation of vigorous physical activity (p = 0.00) and consumption of beverages/grilled food pattern (p = 0.001). Conversely, it decreased incidence by enjoying some specific health insurance and following a conservative dietary pattern (p = 0.05). Gastric cancer incidence was found to increase with age (p = 0.000), sex (p = 0.001), and consumption of the beverages/grilled food pattern (p = 0.006). However, being in the first wealth quartile decreased the incidence (p = 0.002). Conclusion: There is evidence of an association between diet, physical activity and wealth quartile with colorectal and gastric cancer. This information should be considered for preventive interventions in the population.

Keywords

• Food consumption
• Neoplasm colorectal
• Neoplasm stomach
• Diet
• Risk factors